Elementary School

In the past, teachers gave lessons using chalkboards, filmstrips and overhead projectors — methods that had limited interactivity. Teachers now have multiple ways of presenting content. Students can now demonstrate their learning in ways other than pencil-and-paper tests.

After a two-day holiday — compliments of an ice storm — students at Dallas’ Esperanza “Hope” Medrano Elementary returned to class Tuesday. But they received a less than warm welcome: the school’s heat was out for much of the day.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Altobello is on his latest mission. Friday he was on one of his most important missions — a secret visit to a North Texas elementary school to surprise his 9-year-old daughter Ashlyn.

The tragic fire and explosion in West meant schools had to call off classes Thursday and Friday. Three schools are damaged and in restricted zones; only the fourth one is set to open next week. But there was a steady stream of people at West Elementary School Friday. Even folks who can’t get into their homes wanted their kids back in school.